10 Delicious, Affordable Gifts for Food Lovers

Maybe it’s the economy, or maybe we’ve all just decided it’s more fun to be frugal, but I keep hearing about people who are making most of their presents this year rather than buying them. This plan has a lot going for it besides cost savings: You get as much pleasure out of making the gift as the recipient does in receiving it. If you’ve got food lovers on your list (and who doesn’t) or you need a hostess gift with a personal touch, here are my 10 favorite home-made edible gifts.

Pimiento Cheese DipThis spread makes one heck of a sandwich. Parker and Otis, a specialty foods store in Durham, N.C., uses this pimiento dip in a Southern-style grilled cheese.

LimoncelloThis incredible Italian lemon liqueur should be shared with only the most deserving people. Make it at least a week before you plan to give it and instruct the recipient to let it sit for a month (if they can wait that long).

Mini Pumpkin CupcakesThese were originally developed as Halloween treats, but decorate them with red and green sprinkles, silver dragees, and colored frosting, and they make a fun change from the usual Christmas cookies.